By admin 
CLEMSON, S.C. (WNCN) — More than one team in the Triangle managed to lose a game that looked winnable after the first half.
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First NC State, and later Saturday — North Carolina.
The Tar Heels controlled much of the game against Clemson, but after a lengthy lightning delay, the Tigers rallied in the second half to hand UNC its first loss of the season, 28-20, in Death Valley.
The Heels got off to a fast start, setting the tone on both sides of the football.
North Carolina’s defense forced Clemson into a three-and-out on the Tigers’ opening possession.
Billy Edwards Jr. and the Tar Heels’ offense then followed with back-to-back scoring drives, putting UNC ahead 14-3.
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After the first quarter, however, the Tar Heels’ offense began to stall.
UNC’s final two drives before halftime ended with a field goal and a punt.
But while the offense cooled off, the defense continued to apply pressure.
North Carolina consistently made life difficult for Clemson quarterback Tait Reynolds and the Tigers’ offense. Clemson managed just 117 total yards in the first half, and the home crowd grew increasingly frustrated, with boos raining down as the Tigers struggled to find answers.
Those answers came in the second half.
After a roughly two-and-a-half-hour lightning delay, the Tigers found the end zone twice.
UNC was outscored 22-3 in the second half.
What looked like a game the Tar Heels had under control turned into a comeback victory for Clemson, as North Carolina ultimately comes up short, 28-20.
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It’s the Heels’ first loss of the season; they now sit at 2-1.